Ravens Beat: Justin Forsett 'can expect the same load' in 2015

May 26, 2015

Ravens writer John Eisenberg was asked, "Who backs up Justin Forsett?"

The Ravens’ running back piled up 235 carries during his breakout 2014 season, but the team’s other backs combined for 167 carries, which is a lot. Forsett can expect the same load in 2015, but plenty of opportunity exists behind him. Lorenzo Taliaferro moved piles at times as a rookie in 2014 and could be a short-yardage option, but my eyes are on rookie Buck Allen, who totaled almost 2,000 rushing and receiving yards for Southern Cal last season.

Fantasy Impact:

We don't project Forsett to see as many carries as he did in 2014 under then-OC Gary Kubiak. His new coordinator, Marc Trestman, favors a pass-heavy approach, and over the past two seasons, Trestman's Bears only averaged 380 carries. Conversely, the Ravens racked up 448 carries last season. If Forsett sees the same share (52.5%) of the Bears' two-year average, it works out to 200 carries. We project the Ravens for around 408 carries, since the team has said it hopes to keep Kubiak's rushing principles in place and HC John Harbaugh is an offensive-minded coach who can ensure that happens. The Ravens drafted Javorius Allen to contribute, so we believe Forsett's share of carries drops to around 42%, which yields 170 carries. However, we project Forsett to set a career high in catches (61.8) since Trestman loves to use his running backs in the passing game. This makes Forsett a good 3rd round value, especially in PPR formats.

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Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle) listed as full for Monday's practice

Pro Football Talk

20 minutes ago

Patrick Mahomes is listed as a full participant on the team’s first injury report of the week.

Related players: Carson Wentz

Fantasy Impact:

It was a pretty positive outcome for fantasy owners counting on Mahomes in Week 16. The story said Reid spoke to reporters before practice and said they would see what Mahomes was able to do during a light practice. The answer was that he did everything that the Chiefs asked of him, the story pointed out. Keep in mind it was a light workout. It's possible Mahomes is listed as limited later in the week. As we stated earlier today, we're still some time away from Saturday, so it will be worth monitoring right up to game time. Owners may still want to have a backup plan in place.

Raiders say QB Aidan O'Connell (knee) trending toward playing Week 16

Paul Gutierrez on X

1 hour ago

"I would say he's trending upwards to playing this week." - Raiders coach Antonio Pierce, on QB Aidan O'Connell

Related players: Desmond Ridder

Fantasy Impact:

Ridder didn't exactly do much to make the Raiders want to continue to see him for the rest of the season. At this point, it makes more sense for O'Connell to get the work. Either way, the Raiders are expected to have a new starting QB next season, according to some who follow the team. The return of O'Connell would be a little boost for the rest of the offense as they have a winnable game against the Jaguars at home in Week 16.

Titans Beat: Team planning to make change at QB

Jeremy Fowler on X

1 hour ago

The Tennessee Titans are planning to make a switch at quarterback this week, source told ESPN.

Related players: Mason Rudolph

Fantasy Impact:

It seems as if there is no official word on just who will take over yet, but as the post points out, Rudolph is the logical candidate to step in. Rudolph has twice come in for Levis this season, once when injured and this past week when Levis threw three INTs. Rudolph did threw for two TDs as he tried to lead the team back against the Bengals. The Titans travel to Indy in Week 16 in a game in the early window. Rudolph did flash at times earlier this season as well, but the Titans moved back to Levis once he was healthy. Rudolph is probably a better option for deeper two QB or superflex leagues.